Middle grade is a term that refers to books written for readers between the ages of eight and twelve. In this column, Erica will recommend great books for children in this age group!

Gut Reaction by Kirby Larson & Quinn Wyatt
All available formats here

In the wake of the move to a new school and her father’s death, Tess has continued to follow in his baking footsteps – even as her stomach has started rebelling against more and more types of food. When her baking skills not only earn her new friends, but also a place back at the baking competition she previously lost at, Tess is determined that whatever’s up with her stomach will not hold her back – until she’s forced to face the consequences of her ignoring it. Can Tess overcome all the obstacles life is throwing at her? Or will she find that some things are more important than winning?

Tess is a relatable and compelling protagonist; I really enjoyed her journey as she found her feet at a new school and finally got her diagnosis. There were a number of important lessons – notably that everyone is more than the labels that are used to define them and that goals are important but not more than taking care of yourself – and overall, found this to be a really great book on a topic that isn’t widely discussed.

Check out the book that Booklist Reviews called “a frank, sensitive window into life with inflammatory bowel disease and a welcome representation of chronic illness”; Horn Book Magazine Reviews described as “a realistic and often funny portrayal of middle school life [that] treats grief and chronic illness sensitively and with a light touch” led by “an endearing character with an equally likable support network” and Kirkus Reviews called “a compassionate exploration of living with chronic illness” with a clear message: “It takes courage to reveal your weaknesses, and it takes kindness to accept them in others.”